National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has warned would be criminals that attacks on police officials will not be tolerated.

This after an attack on a member of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) at the base of the unit in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape who are investigating allegations of extortion in the area.

During a media briefing following a visit to the NIU base in Mthatha on Sunday, Masemola said police bare the duty to protect.

‘[We] are not going to fold our arms and allow a situation where our dedicated and hardworking police officers who are entrusted with investigating and tracing hardened criminals are targeted.

‘We will not tolerate attacks on our men and women in blue who are doing all they can to put a stop to incidents of extortion and all other crimes. We continue to urge our members to act decisively when faced with danger.

‘Our members have a duty to protect themselves and also protect the communities which they serve,’ he said.

Th
e National Commissioner expressed concern that extortion cases in the area are ‘under-reported’ but added that at least 38 cases had been reported since the set-up of an extortion hotline some two weeks ago.

‘We are assuring communities that a dedicated team of investigators and members of specialised units that are attached to the task team dealing with extortion are working on this information with a view to build up cases and bring those responsible to book.

‘[From] mid-August, we have deployed additional members to support and augment the available capacities in this province to deal with extortion decisively. To date, a lot of work has been put in through intelligence gathering on suspected syndicates linked to extortion and protection fees. Tracing operations, roadblocks, vehicle check points and searching of persons have been conducted.

‘[We] are sending a strong message out there to those who are involved in all forms of crime and especially those gangs, criminals and syndicates involved in extorti
on. We are going to deal decisively with you. We will not hesitate to assert the authority of the state where necessary,’ Masemola vowed.

Source: South African Government News Agency